The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani, has challenged corps members to be patriotic and resilient towards nation building.
Ani gave the challenge in her address at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Batch ‘C’ (Stream 1) orientation course held at NYSC Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko.
The state coordinator, while enjoining the corps members to brace up to the tasks of the service year said that the entire nation looked forward to their pivotal roles in advancing the unity and development of the country.
“As you get set to report to your places of primary assignment, I wish to stress the need for you to be diligent in the performance of your duties. Furthermore, you should devote time to identify the felt needs of the communities, and initiate personal and group Community Development Service projects that will uplift their living standards.”
She advised them to embrace the self-employment option available to them through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme of the Scheme.
“You are further encouraged to build on the skills acquired by availing yourselves of opportunity for post-camp training while trainee with bankable business proposals will also be supported with start-up grants.”
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According to her, the corps members would be expected to step down vocational training or employ a good number of youths in their host communities.
“The quality of the training will be further enhanced through the provision of adequate training materials and engagement of more specialist trainers. That way, we will be pulling millions of Nigeria out of poverty, thereby stemming the tide of youth restiveness and propensity for criminality.”
The NYSC Ondo State boss assured members of the service corps that their welfare and security were topmost on the priority list of the management.
“In this regard, we have sustained our liaison with security agencies and other stakeholders with the view of not only ensuring your safety, but also making the essential provisions that will enable you have a fulfilling service year.”
She continued: “However, we expect you to play your own part by being security conscious at all times and avoid risky engagements such as staying out late at night, visitation to dangerous flashpoints and indulging in free rides from total strangers.”
The state coordinator admonished them to minimise the risk of road traffic accident by cutting short their trips from 6 O’clock in the evening and passing the night at military barracks, Corps Lodges and other locations officially designated as safe.
“You are also strongly advised to avoid boarding vehicles at locations other than approved motor parks so as to avoid falling prey to criminals disguising as commercial vehicle drivers.”
Mrs. Ani expressed profound gratitude of NYSC management to the federal government for providing the enablement for the take-off of corps members’ enrolment in the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, under a comprehensive initiative known as NYSC Group Individual Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP).
“I enjoin all corps members to take full advantage of this arrangement by registering under Health Care Providers in the service locations, and always report promptly for medical attention in the event of ill health. Corps members can also visit any NHIS accredited hospital during official leave period outside their service locations.”
While wishing the 1501 corps members registered in the state a successful service year, the Ani appealed to corps employers to accept corps members posted to them and accord priority to their welfare so as to develop their full potentials.
